Fraikin supplies AO with new CNG trucks to cut CO2

Fraikin has delivered 10 new CNG-powered tractor units to AO, as the online electrical retailer looks to reduce its carbon footprint across its commercial vehicle fleet.

Signed to a five-year, full-service contract hire agreement, the new Iveco S-Way NP 4x2 tractor units are the first in AO’s 129-strong trunking fleet to operate on natural gas.

The vehicles operate on compressed biomethane and replace older, diesel-powered trucks.

Supplied in AO’s green vinyl livery and with both single double deck trailers, the new vehicles will carry large appliances between the company’s depots in Crewe and North London, clocking up around 125,000 miles per year.

David Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the new CNG vehicles into our UK trunking fleet and continue our successful partnership with Fraikin.

“At AO Logistics, we are always looking at ways to improve our operation in terms of both sustainability and fuel efficiency – trialling these new Iveco tractor units is a fantastic step towards reducing our impact on the environment.”

Over the past two years, the retailer has increased its warehousing capacity by over 80% to 1.5 million sq ft and rapidly grown its distribution network to over 25 depots across the UK.

In total, AO currently operates more than 1,000 commercial vehicles, including 3.5-tonne ultra-light weight home delivery vans supplied on contract hire by Fraikin.

Peter Eaton, sales and business development manager at CNG Fuels, said: “CNG Fuels are thrilled to be working with AO and Fraikin on this project and to be welcoming these 10 CNG vehicles through our Bio-CNG Station network.

“These vehicles will be running on 100% renewable and sustainable biomethane and will be helping to reduce HGV emissions by over 90% currently.

“By the end of 2022 our aim is to deliver biomethane that will achieve a net zero emissions target for all of our customers.”

The new truck design features improved aerodynamics to help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency and with large, 1,052-litre fuel tanks, the S-Way NPs offer a range of up to 380 miles on a full tank.

Mark Guilfoyle, business development manager at Fraikin, said: “Having already supplied 63 tractor units into the fleet since the companies began working together in 2017, Fraikin has built up a solid understanding of AO’s business and are acutely aware of what is required from the vehicles it operates, as well as its wider environmental aims.”

If the new trucks prove to be a success, the company will look to replace more diesel-powered assets, with Fraikin once again ready to offer guidance and advice on the best available options.